9.2.1: How to Save on Costs

How to Save on Grocery Costs

• Pack lunches and snacks for work, school, and trips to avoid spending money on fast food or junk food.
• Check expiration dates in the refrigerator and pantry and use items that will spoil sooner first.
• Use grocery circulars, advertisements, and coupons to select foods that are on sale to prepare for meals.
• Plan meals for the week and write a grocery list of items needed. Look through the refrigerator and pantry to see what items are on hand before buying them. Use those items to plan meals.
• Make and stick to a grocery list while shopping to avoid spending money on extra items. Don’t shop on an empty stomach as you will be more likely to be unnecessary items.
• Find protein sources in less expensive items such as dried beans and eggs.
• Buy bulk items. Larger amounts tend to be cheaper, but don’t buy extra if it will spoil before you can use it.
• Buy generic or store brands to cut your grocery bill.
• Shop at large supermarkets or discount grocery stores rather than convenience stores such as gas stations as you will get better prices and sales.
• Buy fresh foods when they are in season and incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into menu planning. Produce is cheaper when it is in season.
• Avoid processed and already prepared foods as these are not only less healthy, but tend to be more expensive than foods you must prepare.

How to Save on Household Costs

• Cancel unnecessary subscriptions to magazines, cable, and other services.
• Find cost saving plans for combining utilities such as cable, phone, and internet services.
• Pay bills on time. Many companies charge a late fee, which can add up significantly over time.
• Work with a consumer credit agency to effectively manage debts and consolidate credit card debts.
• Don’t use disposable paper products, such as paper plates.
• Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers.
• Buy clothes when out of season when stores discount them and shop at thrift or second hand stores.
• Keep clothing in good repair to avoid having to replace it.
• Look at store advertisements and weekly circulars to purchase cleaning and other household products that are on sale.
• Take advantage of pharmacy discount programs, such as purchasing a 3 month versus a 1 month supply of regularly used medications. Oftentimes, these types of programs can help save costs on prescription medicine.
• Use the generic brand of medication and over the counter medications when appropriate and after discussing this with a physician.
• Purchase gas for your car at the least expensive gas station and when there are gas sales.

How to Save on Energy Costs

Energy can create a substantial cost to a household. The following and other energy saving tips for each room in the house can be reviewed by visiting NYSEG at: http://www.nyseg.com/UsageAndSafety/usingenergywisely/energywisechecklist/default.html

• Use electricity during off-peak hours whenever possible. It is often less expensive to do wash and run dishwashers at night during off-peak hours, when energy use is generally low.
• Lower energy bills by turning off lights in rooms when not in use or lowering or turning off the heat or AC when no one is home.
• Use a programmable thermostat to control heating and cooling costs. Set the thermostat to 65-70 degrees during the winter and 58 degrees when no one is home.
• Save energy costs by washing only full loads of clothing or dishes in washing machines and dishwashers.
• Use the cold or cool setting whenever possible when washing clothing.
• Check the lint screen in the dryer frequently. This prevents fires as well as allows the dryer to work more efficiently.
• Don’t over-dry clothing in the dryer. Dry only for the amount of time necessary to get clothing dry. Whenever possible, hang clothing to dry on a clothesline.
• Using energy efficient appliances whenever possible can help reduce costs.
• Have chimneys, heating, and cooling systems inspected and maintained on a regular basis to ensure they are working efficiently.
• Replace furnace or air conditioner ducts when dirty.
• Use fans instead of air conditioners.
• Use energy saving shower heads and faucets.
• Take shorter showers.
• Do not leave water running when unnecessary. Turn off the water while brushing teeth and in between washing dishes.
• Defrost your refrigerator on a regular basis. Ice build-up increases the cost of energy as the refrigerator has to work harder to be efficient.
• Open and close refrigerator and freezer doors infrequently and quickly. Plan for what you need prior to opening the doors.

By following these cost saving suggestions, making and sticking to a budget, and reducing debt, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides can help their patient and their family meet their expenses without having to feel anxious. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should follow the Care Plan guidelines as to what ways they are expected to help their patient budget and manage money. Always document tasks completed and money that is spent. Whenever in doubt, seek guidance from a supervisor.

For more information, you can visit a resource such as the American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) by following this link: http://www.consumercredit.com/. The ACCC is a company which specializes in consumer credit counseling, and which provides free and low cost services to assist people budget and pay off debt. Budget worksheets and cost calculators are available free of charge on this website.